Department of Geological Science

Master’s Research ProposalThis form is to accompany the candidate’s Master’s Research Proposal Application. All Masters Candidates must complete and submit a proposal to the Postgraduate Studies Coordinator (PGC) before commencing their research project. You should consult your supervisor prior to submitting this proposal. The proposal will be reviewed by the Independent Reviewer and may be returned to the candidate if revisions are required.

The research proposal itself should be presented in sufficient detail for the supervisor and Head of Department to be able to comment on its suitability. It should include a realistic planned timetable including deadlines to be met, a list of objectives, description of methods to be used, and it should provide details of any special supervisory arrangements (for example, provision of alternative supervision in the case of a supervisor taking study leave). There should be statements about who has been consulted about the project, including general staff whose assistance may be required in the course of the work. Research proposals involving a contract will need to acknowledge the signing of the contract by the Research Office. If the research is dependent on the approval of the University’s Human Ethics Committee or Animal Ethics Committee, or any other committee or organisation, the approval should normally have been obtained prior to submission of the proposal; in any case, such aspects of the research which require approval from an Ethics Committee shall not proceed until the approval has been acquired.

Date: Click here to enter a date.

Four letter code for thesis subject (i.e. GEOL, ENGE, DRRE, ENVR):      

Date of Enrolment for MSc: Click here to enter a date.

Family/Surname:      

Given Name:      

UC Student Number:      

Local Residential Address:      

Home Phone:      

Cell Phone:      

e-mail address:      

Research Proposal Title:      

EFTS Split – to be completed for all students Please complete the table below listing all members of the supervisory team. Please indicate, in percentages, the agreed EFTS per department for all UC members of the supervisory team (no

percentage split is needed if supervisors are from outside UC). EFTS splits must be approved by the HOD/S or nominee of each of the Departments/Schools involved. Please also indicate, in percentages, the agreed EFTS for all Geological Sciences members of the supervisory team.

Senior Supervisor:

Name:      

Affiliation:      

Email Address:      

Supervisory Contributions:      

% EFTS for UC Geological Sciences staff only      

Co-Supervisor:

Name:      

Affiliation:      

Email Address:      

Supervisory Contributions:      

% EFTS for UC Geological Sciences staff only      

Associate Supervisor(s) (if applicable):

Name:      

Affiliation:      

Email Address:      

Supervisory Contributions:      

% EFTS for UC Geological Sciences staff only      

Independent Reviewer (if applicable):

Name:      

Email Address:      

Supervisory Contributions: Proposal Confirmation, external scientific advice, independent science mediator between student and supervisory team.

If members of the supervisory team are in different Departments/Schools, please indicate, in percentages, the agreed EFTS per Department/School. EFTS splits must be approved by the HOD/S or nominee of each of the Departments/Schools involved.

% EFTS for non-Geological Sciences UC staff only

Name and % EFTS Department HOD signature

                 

                 

                 

Introduction and Literature Review: In the Introduction present the problem and the significance of the problem. (This should lead up to a statement of the objectives in the next section).

The Literature Review should not exceed 2,000-4,000 words (excluding list of references). The Introduction is expected to be appropriately refenced with figures and maps if applicable. This should lead up to your key research objectives given in the Project Objectives section.

In this section you are expected to put your proposal in the context of current scientific literature. It should include the following: an introduction in which you present the problem you will be working on; a discussion of

the relevant literature and its relation to your hypotheses; a concluding statement in which you outline the impact of your proposed research.

     

Project Objectives: Outline your key objectives as bullet points.

     

Methods: Outline the methods by which you will conduct your research. The Methods should include relevant references, figures and tables and should not exceed 500 – 1,000 words (excluding figures, tables and references).      

Research Timeline: Provide an outline timetable for your research over the entire period allowed for in the MSc regulations. Include fixing

dates for a supervisor student expectation meeting within the first month of enrolment (or prior to enrolment); at least three official approximate 3 month, 6 month and 9 month full supervisory team and student meetings; and other key milestones including a 6 month Progress Report.(http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/media/documents/science-documents/Masters-Thesis-Progress-Report-form.pdf)

It is compulsory to give an oral presentation on the progress of your Masters Project. There are usually two rounds of talks in May and October.

     

Location, Equipment and Funding: Indicate the practical feasibility of the research project. Where will the research be conducted? List the major equipment requirements. If it is not available in the Department, include information on how you will gain

access to this equipment. Estimate the cost of your research including consumables and travel and indicate the sources of funding to be used.

     

TURNITIN Thesis Checking

Turnitin check for theses (http://learn.canterbury.ac.nz/mod/assign/view.php?id=274896)

Please check the TURNITIN website via Learn for updates on the information below.

All files uploaded will be submitted to the plagiarism detection service Turnitin.

Please follow these guidelines to ensure that your file is uploaded to Turnitin successfully.

You must save your assignment as one of the following file formats.

Make sure that you include the '.' and the 3 or 4 letter extension.

o Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)

o Plain text (.txt)

o Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)

o Rich Text Format (.rtf)

o PostScript (.ps)

o HTML (.html, .htm)

Your file must be less than 20MB in size.

Open Office and Libre Office users - saving as .doc won't work with Turnitin; please save your file as Rich Text

Format (.rtf)

The student has submitted their Research Proposal to TURNITIN, and we have discussed the concept of plagiarism and there is no significant plagiarism in the proposal Yes☐ No ☐

Is the students written and spoken English acceptable to complete a MSc? Yes ☐ No ☐

If no, what action will be taken?      

Is the student required to complete any courses? Yes ☐ No ☐

If so, what courses?      

Is Maori consultation appropriate? (http://www.research.canterbury.ac.nz/maoriresearch/index.shtml)Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A☐

If an international student, less than 12 months research will be overseas?Yes ☐ No ☐

Geological Sciences Departmental Catalogue:

The candidate and senior supervisor should reach agreement about access to data, especially where the candidate’s research is part of a wider research project. The candidate and supervisor are responsible for detailing and depositing rock and prepared materials into the Geological Sciences Departmental Catalogue.This agreement should be documented if necessary below.

     

Technical Staff Assistance: Indicate clearly what assistance from technical staff you are likely to require, e.g., Training in use of equipment; design and

building of equipment; field supervision; etc. Name the technical staff members involved in your project and indicate the level of involvement for all named staff. Have

you discussed your plans with those staff? Please ensure that you have discussed your potential needs with all of the relevant staff including the Technical Services

Manager. Indicate with whom you have discussed your plans, before you submit your proposal. This will speed the approval process.

     

Approval of Supervising Team: All members of the supervisory team should add their signatures below to indicate that they have read and approved the proposal. N.B. This form should be signed using the ‘fill and Sign’ feature in Adobe Acrobat.

Senior Supervisor:Typed name/Esignature:

      Date: Click here to enter a date.

Co-Supervisor:Typed name/Esignature:

      Date: Click here to enter a date.

Associate Supervisor: Typed name/Esignature:

      Date: Click here to enter a date.

Assistant Supervisor: Typed name/Esignature:

      Date: Click here to enter a date.

Health & Safety Manager: Typed name/Esignature:

     Date: Click here to enter a date.

Departmental Health and Safety induction has been completed

4 Wheel drive certification required/completed

Field Activities Plan discussed with Technical Services Manager and Health & Safety Manager?

Yes / No ☐Yes ☐ / No ☐ N/A ☐Yes ☐ / No ☐

Technical Services ManagerTyped name/Esignature:

      Date: Click here to enter a date.

Independent Reviewer/s:       Date: Click here to enter a date.

Post Graduate Coordinator:       Date: Click here to enter a date.

Student Signature:       Date: Click here to enter a date.

Ethics Approval Required: Yes ☐/ No ☐

Approval granted (If yes, append approval to Proposal): Yes ☐ / No ☐ Pending ☐

Ethics Requirements

i. If the research is dependent on the approval of one of the University’s Human Ethics Committees or the Animal Ethics Committee, or any other committee or organisation, that approval process should be undertaken as soon as possible after the development of the research proposal. Those aspects of the research that require approval from an Ethics Committee shall not proceed until the approval has been acquired. More information about the UC Ethics Committees and processes can be found at http://www.research.canterbury.ac.nz/ethics.shtml

Approval for this research will be sought from the following ethics committee(s):      

Data Access, Storage and Data Sharing

Data refers here to any information gained from research participants or through other research activity associated with the thesis. The candidate and Senior Supervisor should reach agreement about access to data. Data will be collected during the research ☐ Yes ☐ No. If yes complete the questions below. If no proceed to the next section of this form.

i. The student will have full access to the data generated by their work during the period of their doctoral candidature.

ii. The student must ensure that all raw data are stored appropriately, and in accord with any specifications from relevant ethics committees.

iii. The data will be shared with the following individuals during or after the project, subject to ethics and confidentiality requirements. The data type(s) (e.g., raw/processed) to which each person will have access should be specified.

Name Role Access to what data type? (delete as appropriate)

Access permitted when? (delete as appropriate)

            raw/processed data/both

during project/after project/both

iv. The student will ensure that any long-term storage of data is consistent with any specifications from relevant ethics committees and should cover the requirements of journal publishers or other professional bodies concerning the retention of data. The student may pass over responsibility for data storage to supervisors or other persons. Such ‘hand-over” of data should be accompanied by an agreement to that effect signed by the student and relevant other parties.

v. It is the responsibility of the student to comply with any agreements regarding provision of data, or reports, for external bodies (e.g., research sponsor; participants).

Issues of data access during and subsequent to the PhD have been agreed between student and supervisors? ☐ Yes ☐ NoRaw data will be stored at       under the supervision of      Issues of data storage during and subsequent to the PhD have been agreed between student and supervisors?☐ Yes ☐ NoProcessed data will be stored at       under the supervision of      Consideration may be given to broader data sharing (e.g., National Institute of Health, US; National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia.

Authorship

All theses are required to be deposited in the UC Research Repository and made available for public access.

However, thesis may be embargoed, for a period of not more than 24 months – for further information see http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgrad/doctoral_students/submission.shtml).

The candidate and their supervisors should reach agreement about authorship of any published results of the research. All contributors should be consulted about any planned dissemination in advance. Matters to be considered include:

i. Who should be an author on any publication/presentation, and in what order, and how this is to be determined. ii. It is expected that a student will be the first author on any publications arising from their research. iii. It is the student’s right to determine the dissemination of their research – unless previously agreed otherwise. iv. If a student does not want to undertake the work necessary to disseminate the research findings other than in

the doctoral thesis then they may agree to another person taking the lead on drafting publications. Such a hand-over of responsibility should be documented.

v. It is recommended that student and supervisor agree on a timeframe post-submission of the thesis to discuss a potential hand-over of dissemination responsibility as necessary.

Issues of authorship have been discussed between student and supervisors? ☐ Yes ☐ NoIt has been agreed that names and order of authors will be discussed for each publication that arises from the thesis research supervisors? ☐ Yes ☐ NoWhere there are conditions restricting the open publication of the research results, the student has signed an agreement confirming their acceptance of those conditions? ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ n/a

Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual property (IP) is a legal term that refers to “creations of the mind”. Examples of IP include music, literature, and other artistic works; discoveries and inventions; and words, phrases, symbols, and designs. Students and supervisors should familiarize themselves with the University’s IP Policy.

i. Thesis students are the owners of the IP created by their research unless otherwise specified.ii. A supervisor or other person may make a contribution to the work in the thesis, and are entitled to rights to that IP

according to the extent of their contribution. That person and the student should reach agreement in writing. iii. Thesis students are advised to reach agreement with the University over ownership of and rights to IP before

commencing their research. iv. A student may be required to enter into an agreement with the University and/or third parties that includes clauses

related to IP rights. In all such cases, advice should be sought from Research & Innovation over the signing of the contract.

An IP agreement with the University and/or third parties is necessary? ☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, the student has signed an IP Agreement with the University and/or third parties? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Prior to signing the IP Agreement the reasons for the agreement and its implications were clearly articulated to the student who was given an opportunity to seek legal advice.

☐ Yes ☐ NoAny IP, idea, or specific know-how with potential commercial applicability already in existence at the commencement of the student’s studies has been identified and documented in a Statement of Intellectual Property through Research & Innovation.

☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ n/a

Copyright

Copyright is a form of intellectual property. Copyright exists only once a work is recorded (in writing or otherwise) and protects the recorded expression of that work.

Students own the copyright to their doctoral theses (once written). In writing a thesis it is essential that a student adheres to copyright laws.

If you have any queries please contact the UC Library Research Data Coordinator. Student and supervisors have discussed issues regarding copyright? ☐ Yes ☐ NoThe student agrees to ensure that any necessary copyright approvals are sought prior to submission of the thesis for examination ☐ Yes ☐ No

Example only Field Activity Plan

Human Resources

Activity LeaderFull Name      Work Area      Email       Phone      Signature       Date      

Deputy Activity Leader (if required)

Full Name      Work Area      Email       Phone      

Approval to Undertake the Field Activity (for completion by Manager/Head or delegated authority i.e. Departmental Safety Officer, Academic Supervisor)

I consent for this Field Activity to be run to the specifications of the plan.Full Name      Date      

Signature      

Field Activity DetailsPaper/Course      Purpose of Field Activity      Start Time and Start Date      Finish Time and Finish Date      Return from activity method of notification (who you will notify and how you will notify them)

     

Location Contact Address      Location Contact Phone      Accommodation      Map Reference (if no contact address)

     

Intended Programme Provide brief description of the daily field activities, including location of activities, distance from field HQ, planned route and transportation

     

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 10 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only Emergency Contacts (please complete Safety Equipment List on page 4 if required)

Mobile Phone Number      Field First Aid Kit Yes No List names of qualified First Aiders attending the Field Activity (if none, consult the Health & Safety Manager)

          

     

UC Security (anytime) 0800 823 637UC Emergency Contact

Name      Position      Phone      

Field Station Manager (if relevant)

Name Jenny LadleyMobile 027 68 67 260 Office 03 364 2987, Internal ext. 8355

UC Health and Safety Manager Name Steve Hunter (contact anytime 24/7 re notifiable event or

high risk event) Mobile 027 742 8689Office Phone DDI 03 369 3248   Internal extn 93248

UC Health and Safety Advisor

Name Jaime MacDonald  (contact anytime 24/7 re notifiable event or high risk event)

Mobile 027 836 1960Office Phone DDI 03 369 3245   Internal extn 93245

Emergency Procedures What could go wrong despite efforts to control risks? How will you manage the emergency? Consider:

prevention of further harm or injury communication access to emergency services emergency equipment

     

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 11 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only Participant Health (group field activities only)

Attach completed Field Activity Participant Declaration and Consent Forms. Name Description of Health Condition Controls to be applied                                                                                                                                                         Additional Information (complete the items relevant to your Field Activity)

Alternative Route/Plans (for bad weather/emergencies etc)

     

Have you received consent/permit/access permission for the Field Activity locations?

Yes No

If yes, specify consent/permits obtained      

Are there cultural considerations, e.g. Marae protocol, specimens not to be collected if rahui is in place?

Yes No N/A

Accommodation contact person

Name      Mobile      Office Phone      

Travel arrangements      

Vehicles used for transportUC vehicles Yes No N/ARental vehicles Yes No N/APrivate vehicles Yes No N/A

Car Rental Company (if applicable)

Vehicle Details (of private vehicles only) Vehicle 1

Vehicle 2 Vehicle 3 Vehicle 4 Vehicle 5

Make                              Model                              Year                              Colour                              Current RegistrationCurrent WOFVehicle First Aid KitChainsHave all requirements for Yes No N/A

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 12 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only transportation of hazardous goods been considered?See Land Transport for guidance.Expected road conditions      Contingency plan for adverse conditions, e.g. weather, rockfall      

Catering arrangements, e.g. self-catered      

No. of days extra emergency food      Do your participants have any special requirements with regards to food or medical requirements?

Yes No N/AIf medical/allergy related, list in participant health list above.

If yes, have these people been appropriately catered for? Yes No N/A

Are you carrying drinking water, purifier or have access to it during the trip? Please specify

     

Satellite Phone / UC Mobile Phone Yes No Number

Personal Locator Beacon Yes No

Serial Number

Mountain Radio Yes No N/AEmergency Shelter Yes No N/A If yes, describe.

Wet weather gear and thermal clothing requirements Yes No N/A

Any other personal protective clothing and equipment      

Name(s) of qualified/experienced person accompanying the group      

Mandatory certificates, licences and training are current, e.g. Firearms Licence, First Aid Certificate, Driver Licence

Yes No N/A

Overseas travel. See University Travel website for guidance.(Provide the destination, visa and vaccination requirements, travel insurance, and security arrangements for risk destinations. Attach the travel itinerary to this plan)

Yes No N/A

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 13 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only Safety Equipment List (complete for safety equipment taken, ensure equipment is maintained and relevant training is received)

Type of Equipment Checked/Maintained Quantity Serial Number (if relevant)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 14 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only Hazard Risk Assessment and Management

Use this form for hazard assessment of short term work or activity.

Work/Activity Details /Risk AssessmentType of work or activity : Location BEIMS No.

(if applicable)

Risk assessment conducted by:

Date: Time:

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 15 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Example only

Person in Control of Work/Activity ……………………………………………………………………

Position ……………………………………………………………………

Signature …………………………………………………………………… Date ………………

Name ……………………………………………………………………

Position ……………………………………………………………………

Signature …………………………………………………………………… Date………………

Hazards not eliminated on completion of work must be recorded on Hazard Register

How to use this form:

1. List all the known or potential hazards associated with the proposed activity. 2. Identify the potential consequences if the hazard(s) are not controlled.3. Consider the likelihood of it occurring and the consequence rating if it did occur. 4. Use the Risk Rating Matrix below to rate the hazard risk. 5. Identify suitable control options for the hazard that will reduce the risk levels.6. Use the Risk Rating Matrix to calculate the residual risk.7. Record the residual risk rating score against the hazard.

Hazard Control Key:

E = Eliminate the Hazard

M= Minimise the likelihood the hazard will cause harm

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 16 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Hazard (An actual or potential

source of harm, including behaviour)

Consequence If Hazard Not

Controlled(i.e. Injury,

Illness, Incident, Property

Damage, etc)

Likelihood

(L value)

Consequenc

e(C

value)

Risk Rating(L x C)

Controls(i.e.

Eliminate, Substitute, Guarding, Training,

Administrative, PPE)

Residual Risk Rating

(The remaining

level of risk after controls

have been implemented)

Hazard

Eliminated or Minimise

d(E or M)

Example only 8. Determine if the controls eliminate or minimise the hazard.

Human Resources – hs_chk07 Page 17 of 17 Date issued: 3-Oct-16

Risk Rating MatrixRisk Matrix

Result Likelihood

Minor (1) Moderate(2)

(first aid only)

Severe (3)(Notifiable Event)

Major (4)(permanent disabling injury)

Catastrophic(5)

(Loss of life, > $1m costs)

Rare (1) Low (1) Low (2) Low (3) Low (4) Medium (5)Unlikely (2) Low (2) Low (4) Medium (6) Medium (8) High (10)Moderate (3) Low (3) Medium (6) Medium (9) High (12) High (15)Likely (4) Low (4) Medium (8) High (12) High (16) Critical (20)Almost certain (5) Medium (5) High (10) High (15) Critical (20) Critical (25)

Risk CategoriesCritical & High Risk treatment strategies to be approved by Supervisor/Manager.Medium Risk treatment strategies to be implemented by Person in Control of

Work/Activity and any specialist support as required. Strategies to be approved by persons with specialist knowledge or experience.

Low Risk acceptable – to be managed under normal control procedures (e.g. planning, training, information, supervisor and review).

Risk: the chance of something happening that will impact on your work.Residual Risk: The levels of risk remaining after all control measures have been implemented.